Thursday, December 8, 2016

I really love cream eyeshadows, and the By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadows are my very favorite. I have used them for years, and they are the cream shadows that I reach for the most.

The By Terry Ombre Blackstar formula is long-lasting, budge-proof and smudge-proof from the moment that it sets until the time that you remove it– I kid you not! In fact, I have to use a duo-phase makeup remover to take it off. However, if you have particularly oily eyelids your wear-time may vary, and you may find the need to use a primer.

The luxurious texture is creamy and buttery soft lending itself to effortlessly gliding across the eyelids without incident. However, you do need to blend it out rather quickly since it won't budge once it sets. Unlike some long-wearing cream eyeshadows, that seem to tug on the lids once they dry, By Terry Ombre Blackstar Color-Fix Cream Eyeshadows feel natural on the eyelids without any discomfort or pulling. When I apply them it in the morning before leaving for work, they remain steadfastly in place without cracking, peeling, fading, transferring or smudging until I remove them. I have worn them from 7AM until Midnight, and they never fail me. The pigmentation is sensational, and is matched by the overall exquisite quality of the eyeshadow pencils themselves.

If you are interested in one or two shades, then it is probably worth just buying them individually, but BY TERRY Impearlious Ombre Blackstar Gift Collection features 5 of their top-selling shades in full-sizes for $155.00 (rather than the normal $44.00 for each).

Tips: Draw a line at the roots of the eyelashes for a perfect liner effect. Colour the entire eyelid, or blend with your fingertips all the way up to the eyebrows for an easy and quick smokey effect. Create your own made-to-measure look by mixing two or three shades.

Nº 4 Bronze Moon: is the perfect neutral and infinitely wearable bronzey taupe shade. It has gorgeous refined shimmer that brightens the eyes without over-doing it. Bronze Moon is the perfect stand alone shade that is at once elegant and perfect as a wash of color, and it's as close to a fuss-free swatch and go shade that I could hope for!

Nº 6 Frozen Quartz: is a breathtaking shimmering peachy pink.

Nº 15 Ombre Mercure: is a golden taupe with the slightest green shift. It is a complex shade that may be my favorite Ombre Blackstar to date.

Note the stunning luminosity in each of the shades

Gift Box:

Overall Assessment: The By Terry Ombre Blackstar Eyeshadows are unquestionably luxurious and expensive, but they are truly extraordinary. If you think that you would wear all of the colors in the set, then it is well worth the splurge– especially since you save $65.00 ($155.00 vs. $220.00 purchased individually), but if you only want one or two, then it is worth purchasing them individually. A+

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Longtime readers are aware of my love of Rodial Skincare, but did you know that they also make equally phenomenal makeup?? They do, and Rodial's The Smokey Eye Kit is an amazing starter set to introduce you to their makeup.

• GLAMOLASH™ Mascara XXL ($28.00 Value. Full Size. 13ml/0.4 oz): Achieve supercharged volume to the eyelashes with this intense black colour concentration for a more dramatic wide eyed look. With a long-wear formula this ensures eyelashes are maximized from day to night.

• Sharpener: Custom designed sharpener with dual blade and pull out blade cleaner.
N.B.: The Smokey Eye Kit that I received includes the Instaglam Magic Pen Eye Glow, and that is not part of the Smokey Eye Kit available in the US at Space NK and Rodial. Therefore, I will discuss the Instagram Magic Pen, but will remind you that it is not a part of this set, and has to be purchased separately, if it appeals to you.)

GLAMOLASH™ Mascara XXL ($28.00 Value. Full Size. 13ml/0.4 oz): This is a gorgeous, intense black mascara that volumizes lashes without any clumping, smudging or flaking. If you love gorgeous, full lashes– then this is definitely a mascara worthy of your attention.

According to Rodial,

Achieve supercharged volume to the eyelashes with this intense black colour concentration for a more dramatic wide eyed look. With a long-wear formula this ensures eyelashes are maximised from day to night.

Contains beeswax for lash conditioning, carnauba wax for even adherence to prevent clumping and soluable collagen to provide full body to lashes with added shine.

Smokey Eye Pen Black ($21.00 Value. Full Size. 1.2g/ 0.04 oz.): I am obsessed with high quality, classic black eye liner pencils, and this is one of my new favorites! This is a very pigmented, rich black pencil that glides across the skin effortlessly, and it does so without any tugging, pulling or skipping. Furthermore, it deposits color evenly, it does not migrate or bleed, and it is very long-wearing. I have sensitive eyes, and am very pleased to report that this did not irritate my eyes in the least bit. It offers buildable coverage, and once it sets it doesn't budge.

According to Rodial,

Create a bold eye with this kohl eyeliner. With super-rich pigment and gel-effect definition, this long-lasting soft formula can be easily blended to create a dramatic smokey eye.

Tips: Draw generously to the upper and lower lash line and along waterline. Blend the line using the eye smudge brush onto the eyelid and into the outer socket line to create a 'winged' effect for a modern feline flick. Smudge the bottom lash line using the eye smudge brush to create a smokey eye look.

To sharpen the Smokey eye pen, use a makeup sharpener or try our Smokey Eye Pen and Sharpener Black kit.

Instaglam Magic Pen Eye Glow (Not part of The Smokey Eye Kit. $13.00 for 3g./0.10 oz. from Rodial): I have only just begun experimenting with Instaglam Magic Pen Eye Glow, but will say that it most definitely brightens the eyes– particularly when it is blended in the inner corner of the eyes.

According to Rodial,

Fake a good night's sleep with a touch of magic light with this pearly white, creamy texture pencil that blends easily to create a bright eyed wide awake look, helping to erase signs of fatigue. A well known trick used by makeup artists, add to inner corner of eye to add a pop of colour to widen and enlarge their appearance.

Directions: Blend around outer and inner corner of eyes to add brightness. Apply along the waterline to counteract redness and open up the look of eyes. Blend under arches of brows to lift and define their shape.

Overall Assessment: A lovely set featuring a very high quality mascara and eye liner that are both a pleasure to use, and are intensely flattering. The Instaglam Magic Pen Eye Glow is a really effective eye brightener that is very flattering, and it will come in handy during the holiday season when I am constantly on the go!

Aromatherapy Associates My Treat Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil is a delectable luxury bath and shower oil that has the soothing aroma of Rosemary punctuated by citrus and Eucalyptus. By simply adding a couple of caps to your bath, or massaging a few drops onto strategic zones of your body (torso, arms etc.) before stepping into the shower– your senses are enveloped by the many benefits of this otherworldly aromatherapeutic experience. It restores a sense of well-being, balances the bond and body, and soothes muscular tension. The charming Christmas ornament gift box makes this a wonderful stocking stuffer for those hard-to-shop-for people on your holiday list!

According to Aromatherapy Associates London,

Using the purest natural ingredients, Aromatherapy Associates' blends of essential oils calm the mind, balance the emotions and ease strains and muscular tension in the body.Experience the revitalizing power of nature and wake up to a refreshing blend of grapefruit and rosemary essential oils.Perfect to use if you struggle with waking up in the morning, or if you are detoxing. Also helps to start your day with a positive frame of mind.

Directions: Indulge in bath time by adding two capfuls to your warm bath or massage a capful onto your torso, focusing on any areas of concern. Cup your hands, bring them to your face and inhale deeply 3 times. Step into a warm shower and enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.

Overall Assessment: This beautiful little bottle provides the perfect antidote to the frenzy of the holiday season, and it makes a great gift.

It is no secret that I am obsessed with high quality lip balms, and I use them all of the time, but this time of year I use them with far greater frequency. The colder weather can wreak havoc on the lips leaving them dry, chapped and often peeling. While I have many beloved lip balms– from drugstore to luxury brands– I am always on the lookout for more that are covet-worthy. My latest lip balm obsession is the Rodial Glam Lip Balm, and from the moment that this wondrous rose scented balm touched my lips, I knew it was true love.

Rodial Glam Balm Lip is a medium weight, ultra-hydrating lip balm that utilizes advanced stem cell technology to hydrate, soothe and calm dry, chapped and irritated lips. The Hyaluronic Acid filling spheres plump up and volumize fine lines and retain moisture– leaving lips soft, smooth and supple. Glam Balm Lip has a lovely light sheen– therefore I often use it in lieu of a lip gloss. Applied lightly, this balm serves as a remarkably effective base for lipsticks (Read: this season's on trend matte lipsticks won't dry out your lips if you use this as a base).

According to Rodial,

Delight this Christmas with this beautifully designed tree decoration containing our much loved rose scented lip balm that uses advanced stem cell technology to soothe and hydrate dry chapped lips. Hyaluronic filling spheres volumise and plump up the lips for the perfect pout.

Overall Assessment: I love this lip balm, and recommend it to anyone looking for a new ultra-hydrating balm that plumps fine lines, and leaves lips soft, supple and silky smooth. If you love the scent of roses, then this balm will be a feast to your senses.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Given my considerable penchant of HOURGLASS Cosmetics, I was utterly gleeful when I received the spectacular HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Edit Surreal Light and Ambient Lighting Edit Brush. I have many products from their iconic Ambient Lighting range, and this does not disappoint!

HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Edit - Surreal Light (Limited Edition Holiday 2016. $80.00 for 0.30 oz. from Space NK) is an utterly stunning limited edition face palette that features a highlighting powder, two blushes, a bronzer and a finishing powder. Each of the powders is ultra-finely milled, and they glide across the skin effortlessly, deposit color evenly, and they neither settle into fine lines, nor do they emphasize pores. Furthermore, this palette features all new shades made expressly for this limited edition holiday palette, and therefore you don't need to be concerned about the potential of unwanted repromotes.

The palette is elegant and subtle, and imparts the perfect luminous glow. This is definitely one of my favorite palettes from HOURGLASS, and it is a dream for fair to medium complexions. I am also smitten with the faux Carrara Marble compact in which it is housed!

According to Space NK,

Discover the most covetable Ambient light yet. Introducing Surreal Light – a sheer nude powder evoking the magic hour of perfect lighting where the sun brings the softest, most flattering glow to the complexion. These never-before-released shades of powder, bronzer, blushes and highlighter are available exclusively this holiday season.

Closeup:

Ambient Lighting Edit Surreal Light contains 5 exclusive shades:

• Surreal Light: "a sheer nude powder evoking the magic hour of perfect lighting." I would describe it as a light, and nearly translucent golden beige with ultra-fine gold shimmer. It is intended as a setting, or finishing powder, and it effectively blurs imperfections.

• Surreal Bronze Light: "a neutral tan shade fused with Surreal Light, for a subtle, natural warmth." This is a beautiful ethereal bronzer that is a neutral-leaning rosy brown with a refined and subtle golden shimmer. Unlike many bronzers that oxidize into an unflattering orange shade, this one remains both try and stunning. It offers buildable coverage, but I tend to prefer wearing it lightly.

• Surreal Glow: "a pale peony pink blush mixed with Surreal Light for a delicate flush." This is a spectacularly beautiful warm peach that has a luminescent satin finish. It is semi-buildable blush that gives skin a natural glow from wishing effect.

• Surreal Effect: "a cool, pink rose fused with a soft, warm peach for a pop of flattering color." Surreal Effect is a beautiful, cool pink blush with an undercurrent of coral. Depending on the veining in your palette, you may find that yours could lean more pink, or more coral, but I found that I had enough of each that I could easily use them independently or blend them. The satin finish offers enough luminosity to create a lovely glowing effect.

• Surreal Strobe Light: "a glimmering peach powder imparting an alluring highlight." This is a lovely warm-leaning golden peach highlighter with subtle golden shimmer. I found that this shade runs sheer, and isn't very buildable, but that doesn't bother me in the least because the more subtle the effect, the more natural and healthy the glow.

• Finish: Apply Surreal Light finishing powder all over the face.
• Bronze: Contour along the temples, hollows of the cheeks, and jawline with Surreal Bronze Light.
• Blush: Apply Surreal Glow to the apples of the cheeks for a delicate flush of colour.
• Blush: Layer Surreal Effect to the apples of the cheeks for a brighter pop of colour.
• Highlight: Apply Surreal Strobe Light to the high points of the face – tops of cheeks, bridge of nose, brow bone and cupid’s bow. Can be used wet for a more intense highlight.

HOURGLASS Ambient Lighting Edit Brush ($46.00 from Space NK) is a two phenomenal brushes in one that was created to use in conjunction with the Ambient Lighting Edit. The synthetic, Cruelty-Free brushes are the perfect size to fit in this palette, and boast the perfect shapes for flawless application. Both brush heads are soft enough to feel heavenly against the skin, but are firm enough to pick up and lay down pigment effortlessly and flawlessly.

According to HOURGLASS,

A multi-tasking brush featuring two versatile brush heads that can be used for an array of products including powder, blush, bronzer and highlighter. This double-ended brush can be used with powder, cream and liquid formulas for the most flawless finish. Perfectly-sized to be used with the Ambient® Lighting Edit.

Key Benefits:
• The rounded end is ideally shaped for applying finishing powder and adding bronzer to the temples and hollows of cheeks, while the tapered side is shaped to flawlessly apply blush and highlighter.
• Features PETA-approved, high-grade, ultra-soft Taklon bristles.
• Weighted metal handles provide control for effortless blending and application.
• Perfectly sized to work with all Ambient® Lighting Palettes and travel-sized compacts.

Overall Assessment: This is my favorite face palette of the season, and perhaps of the entire year. It is perfect for fair to medium complexions, and delivers on the high quality that one expects from HOURGLASS Cosmetics. I also find the brush to be the perfect accompaniment to this palette in part because of the high quality, but also because the heads are perfectly sized for this palette. For me this is a homer, and definitely a palette worth having before its limited edition status makes it disappear. The video below demonstrates how best to use this lovely palette, and I urge you to watch it if you are thinking about purchasing this palette, or just want to learn some great tips!

Nerium’s Age-Defying Eye Serum, is described as an "advanced, multifunctional age-fighting Eye Serum" that was formulated to deliver a range of short and long-term benefits.It contains SIG-1191, a proprietary ingredient, that is described as a super antioxidant skin hydrator that was specifically developed to target the signs of aging around the eyes.

Nerium Age-Defying Eye Serum is formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, and to combat the appearance of dark circles and puffiness with continued use.

Suggested Directions:

Use Nerium Eye Serum twice each day, apply in the morning and in the evening. After cleansing your skin, place one pump of the eye serum on your finger and apply gently around your eye area. After applying, the serum will begin to attach to the skin and fill your fine lines.

After several seconds of product application, allow it to dry for 30 seconds. Make sure the serum is dry before applying makeup. Smooth makeup around your eyes and use a fingertip to blend it in.

This lightweight serum immediately hydrates the delicate skin under the eyes, and I noticed that it softened the appearance of fine lines. I generally do not get under-eye puffiness, unless I don't get enough sleep, but I did try this serum one morning when I did awaken to puffiness, and it did reduce the swelling. I periodically get dark under-eye circles, and while this serum did not eliminate them, it did soften their appearance.

According to Nerium,

Nerium Eye Serum ingredients contain SIG-1191™, developed by a Princeton University professor. SIG-1191 is an exclusive, patent-pending ingredient that hydrates the skin and provides benefits as an antioxidant. Nerium Eye Serum also contains I-FLI4R™, created from white lily and Brazilian ginseng. This exclusive ingredient works to lessen the presence of dark circles, puffy skin and fine lines around the eyes.

Monday, December 5, 2016

If you are seeking a beautiful, ultra-luxe skincare set for yourself, or someone on your holiday gift list, then the TATCHA Ready for Glamour Limited Edition Set is worthy of your consideration. I have used all of the products in this gift box, and love each of them tremendously. TATCHA has also included a very elegant folding mirror that is perfect for travel or your vanity.

According to TATCHA,

Create a perfect canvas for your glamorous look this holiday season. The Firming Eye Serum gives eyes a brightening boost while the set of Deep Hydration Masks gives you a lifted look. Our beloved Dewy Skin Mist works under and over makeup for a luminous complexion anytime, anywhere. Our Ready for Glamour Set is complete with a washi-wrapped mirror that can be set to stand or folded flat for easy travel.

LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Masks ($95.00 for a Set of 4. Reviewed HERE)

Limited Edition Tatcha Fold-up Mirror

TATCHA LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum (Reviewed HERE): is a lightweight and fast absorbing serum that delivers immediate hydration, reduces the appearance of fine lines, reduces puffiness, and visibly lifts and firms skin. The Okinawa Red Algae, Honeysuckle Leaf and Caffeine visibly firm the skin while reducing puffiness, and at the same time this combination plumps fine lines, and delivers intense hydration.

The innovative cooling ceramic tip applicator, in conjunction with the fine dust of 23-karat gold, serve to "brighten and diminish shadows under the eyes without adding shimmer." When I haven't gotten enough sleep, I periodically awaken to puffy eyes, and massaging this area with the ceramic tip and serum has an immediate, and sustained, cooling effect that radically diminishes puffy eyes.

While this is a serum, I find that it delivers enough hydration that I don't actually need to use an eye cream, but if your skin is particularly dry you may want to use an eye cream as well. This serum leaves my skin lifted, fine lines diminished, puffiness eradicated, and skin is left with a pronounced clarity and luminosity. It is an utterly superb eye serum that delivers real results, and is such a great pleasure to use.

TATCHA LUMINOUS Dewy Skin Mist (Reviewed HERE): Among TATCHA'S wildly popular products is their LUMINOUS Dewy Skin Mist, and once you try it you will not ever want to be without it! This is no ordinary misting spray, but instead it is a silky smooth lightweight liquid moisturizer. When misted on the face it offers the perfect veil of moisture, soothing hydration, and a gorgeous otherworldly luminosity.

In order to use LUMINOUS Dewy Skin Mist you simply shake the elegant bottle and then spray the semi-opaque milky emulsion. The soothing fine mist is so pleasant to use that you might be tempted to use it more often than needed, but it feels so amazingly hydrating and calming that I use it every single time that the spirit moves me. There is no need to be concerned that it contains alcohol and that it will be drying as a result-- the alcohols used are employed as emulsifiers and do not dry out the skin, and as TATCHA asserts this product is ideal for dry and combination skins. While it is perfection for my combination skin, I have a very good friend with dry skin who has made the pronouncement that this is one of her all-time Holy Grail products because it keeps her skin glowing and perfectly hydrated.

TATCHA LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Masks (Reviewed HERE): The TATCHA LUMINOUS Deep Hydrating Lifting Mask is nothing short of amazing. You simply apply it to clean, dry skin, massage the remaining serum into my skin while the mask is still on your face, and then remove it after 15 minuted. Once removed, I squeeze out the last bits of serum from the mask, discarded the mask itself, and then massage it into my neck and décolletage. Not only is my skin left indescribably luminous, but it also appears more even-toned, and my fine lines are plumped. Skin and left it so soft, supple and luminous! Use this mask before any special event, or whenever you want to see your skin at its very best. I am truly astounded by the results.

Overall Assessment: This is a fantastic gift for those hard-to-shop-for people on your list, and it is a great gift for yourself. Furthermore, it is a great value because you are receiving all four items for the cost of the LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Lifting Masks and LUMINOUS Deep Hydration Firming Eye Serum. Therefore the LUMINOUS Dewy Skin Mist, Fold-up Mirror and elegant gift box are essentially gifts with purchase.